What Is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is intended to help students and their families pay for education. Students have the primary responsibility. The Contribution of parent(s) of dependent students is calculated using a formula required by the U.S. Department of Education.
Student's spouses are also expected to contribute. Financial aid is designed to contribute to the difference between what a student and the student's family are expected to contribute and the cost of education which includes tuition and fees, books
and supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses. Cost of Attendance (PDF) minus expected family contribution = Need). Some loans can be used to replace the expected contribution